Courts / Dublin / Report

Lawyers seek gagging order on name of garda accused of threatening to kill wife

Summary

In a Dublin District Court hearing, lawyers for a 43‑year‑old Garda accused of threatening to kill his wife in October 2012 sought a gag order to prevent the media from publishing the officer's name. The officer faces charges of threatening serious harm and coercion at the same address. Judge Paula Murphy had earlier issued a temporary gag order, restricting publication until the case was fully presented before the circuit court. The matter was forwarded for trial and appeared for mention at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Breffni Gordon, the defendant's counsel, requested the continuation of the restrictions, arguing that the case contains deeply private material and that naming the defendant could expose other parties. Dean Kelly, representing the DPP, noted that the test for restricting publication is whether it would affect the right to a fair trial. Judge Melanie Greally expressed uncertainty that publishing the name would jeopardise the trial's fairness but acknowledged potential privacy concerns.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lawyers seek gagging order on name of garda accused of threatening to kill wife. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• October 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 23 Adjournment
• 2020-07-30 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

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Read the original CNI report